Gero Onsen Gassho Village: A rural village from the past

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The Gero Onsen Gassho Village is another in my series of traditional Japanese villages in rural parts of the country.

This village is not in its original location as each of the gassho houses have been brought here from other villages around Japan to create this new settlement for educational purposes.

With more than ten buildings for visitors to explore, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself into the past while trying your hand at some local crafts.

Let’s take a look at what to expect.

Country:	Japan
Currency:	Japanese Yen / JPY
Do you need a visa to visit as tourists?	Check here

Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing. Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.

How to get to Gero Onsen Gassho Village

Location: 2369 Mori, Gero, Gifu 509-2202

Before you set off on your journey to the village, I’d recommend checking you have an appropriate eSIM so you can stay connected and navigate easily.

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Arriving by car

Due to the location of the Gero Onsen Gassho Village, a car is often the recommended mode of transport. It is located in the small town of Gero which is a town known nationwide for its famous hot springs and volcanic landscape.

When travelling from major cities by car, you can expect the journey to take the following lengths of time:

• Nagoya is 2 hours and 10 minutes away
• Kyoto is 3 hours and 45 minutes away

If you do choose to drive, you’ll be pleased to know there is a small car park outside the front entrance of the village. There is only space for around 20 cars so it’s advised to get there earlier than later.

If you need to rent a car for your trip to Japan, make sure you have an International Driving Permit alongside your full driving licence from the UK (or your home country if you are not from the UK). Two of my favourite companies to use in Japan are: Rental Cars and Klook Rentals.

Arriving by public transport

The closest train station to the Gero Onsen gassho village is Gero Station on the JR line.

To get to the village from the station it takes:

• 19 minutes on foot
• 5 minutes by taxi

Opening hours & Admission Fees

	Individual Cost	Group Cost (20+)
Adults	800 JPY (4.20 GBP)	720 JPY (3.74 GBP)
Children	400 JPY (2.10 GBP)	360 JPY (1.87 GBP)

Opening hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week

Please note: The last admission of each day is 30 minutes before the village closes.

Want to visit more traditional Japanese villages? Check these out:

• Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba: Traditional Village in Japan
• Tsumago Juku: Japan’s best-preserved postal town from the Edo period
• Hida no Sato: A mesmerising traditional village in Gifu Japan
• Shirakawa go
• Kayabuki No Sato: thatched-roof traditional village

Guided tours to Gero Onsen Gassho Village

If you’d be more comfortable joining a tour group for your visit, I have listed a recommended tour below.

1-day tour to the Gero onsen next door – departs from TAKAYAMA STATION
This 8-hour tour takes you to four different destinations in the same area and departs from Takayama train station. The first stop takes you to the world-renowned Gero Onsen in the town of Gero. After soaking up the steam in the hotspring you’ll travel to the second stop the Gero Onsen Gassho village.

Your third and fourth stops are Gerohatsu Onsen Museum followed by the peaceful and quiet Onsenji Temple. Once all four of these destinations have been enjoyed, your guide will take you on the train back to Takayama station in time to end the tour.

How long do you need at the Village

Since the village is quite small (even though it is split into two sections) if you took your time you could spend half a day, although the average is closer to three hours.

Although you are free to wander around as you please, there is a guided route with arrows directing the flow of visitor foot traffic. Following this general route takes close to an average of 3 hours.

What to expect at Gero Onsen Gassho Village

Zone 1: Gassho no Sato

#1 – Folk Museum

This is a small folk museum that allows you a look inside the gassho buildings and see some of the traditional furnishings and tools used in the past.

#2 – Fufu Sugi photo spot

It is believed that couples who take a photo in front of this tree will be even happier together than before.

#3 – Gassho no Ashiyu footbath

This is a footbath which is connected to the hot spring next door. If you’re not able to visit any other hot springs during your trip, this is a great way to dip your toes into the experience during your stay in the Gero onsen Gassho village.

#4 – Takehara Puppet Theatre

This is a puppet theatre in the traditional Japanese style. It is family-friendly and a unique way to experience some old-fashioned entertainment.

#5 – Itakura Storehouse

This is a wooden property which has a lot of old tools inside. This house was also registered as a Cultural Property which highlights its importance.

#6 – Odo House

Another property that is registered as a Cultural Property, this one is designated as “a tangible folk” building.

#7 – Kaeru no Yakata Rest Spot

This is a simple rest area for visitors to sit down and take a short break if necessary.

#8 – Hida Workshop

This is one of the main interactive buildings in the Gero Onsen Gassho village. In the Hida workshop, you can create ceramic arts, and try to design some uniquely patterned washi. It’s a fun way to experience traditional crafts using techniques used across the country.

#9 – Enkukan Museum

Split into two floors, this museum has a few different exhibits available for visitors to walk through and enjoy. The 1st floor consists of an exhibit about a famous monk named Enku (who lived between 1632-1695). The 2nd floor is home to wooden images of Buddha created by the same monk.

#10 – Ichikura Restaurant

If you get hungry throughout your visit of to the Gero Onsen gassho village, you’ll be able to order something to eat at this restaurant that specialises in Japanese ramen and freshwater fish.

#11 – Takahashi Shrine

One of 2 shrines on the Gero onsen gassho grounds, this is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Gods of cooking and food here in the village. It’s a place you can come to offer thanks for the food you and your loved ones can get to eat.

Zone 2: Saijiki no Mori

#12 – Kaeru Shrine

The second of 2 shrines in the village, except this one is dedicated to the town of Gero’s frog shrine where people come to give thanks and pray for favours from the divine Gods.

#13 – Banko-An Teahouse

This is a small cute teahouse with some art displayed on the walls inside. It’s a great place to take some time and rest while also drinking some Japanese tea and local snacks.

#14 – Mori no Suberidai

This landmark is a 175-metre slide

#15 – Tenbo Rest Spot

Another rest spot for visitors to take a break except this one comes with an amazing view overlooking the entire village.

#16 – Miharashidai

This is the highest point in the entire part which also offers great views over the gassho village at the Gero Onsen.

#17 – Chaya Restaurant

another restaurant on the grounds for those who want to take some time out for a bite to eat. This restaurant specialises in soba and noodle dishes.

#18 – Shirasagiza

#19 – Gassho Souvenir shop

This final stop in the gero onsen gassho village is where you come to look at and purchase souvenirs from your stay.

With multiple different gassho buildings to check out, you’ll get a glimpse into what life was like in the past.

Not only will you get to see the outside of each ancient property, but you’ll also get a sneak peek inside a few of them to see how rural Japanese farmers lived in the past.

With all-wood interiors and classic Japanese tatami floors, you’ll see how some aspects of a Japanese home haven’t changed much at all.

Please note: The museum exhibits are all written in Japanese so if you cannot read the language, you will need to use a translation app.

Where to stay near the Gero Onsen Gassho Village?

If you choose to travel to the Gassho-mura village independently without a tour, you’ll likely need a place to stay either side of your visit.

Please note: Many accommodations only accept cash payments in the area

When you need to transfer money or check exchange rates during your overseas trip, consider using Wise. They have competitive rates and make exchanging foreign funds easy. I’ve been using them since 2015.

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For the solo budget travellers, there are no hostels in Gero which means you’ll need to stay in other types accommodation.

Click here to see what accommodation options you have in Gero.

Have you been to the Gero Onsen Gassho village? What did you think?